Latest news with #Pat'sKingofSteaks
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
TOM PARKER BOWLES: I tried America's famous Philly cheesesteak for the first time – is it worth the hype?
As names go, Passyunk Avenue doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. But then this small but ever-growing chain of Philadelphia-accented restaurants doesn't seem overly concerned with the niceties of phonetics, concentrating instead on serving up a Philly cheesesteak sandwich that could stand proud in the city of brotherly love. Named after the street in which this iconic snack was born (created, they say, in 1930, by Pat Olivieri, whose hot-dog stand has since evolved into the world-famous Pat's King of Steaks), Passyunk Avenue's latest opening is in Kensington Church Street, West London. Which sure is a long way from the mean streets of Philadelphia. But as with any sports bar worth its American mustard, this jawn (a local Philly word that can mean just about anything) has walls plastered with TV screens, blasting out everything from baseball and football (American, of course) to basketball and Nascar. Usually, when a menu bangs on about 'our famous' anything, it's time to get out. Fast. But here the 'famous' buffalo wings are really very fine indeed, with crisp crust and juicy flesh and lashings of that sharp, buttery, mildly spicy sauce. 'Best I've eaten in London,' says my son Freddy, who sees himself as something of an authority on the subject. 'Beats the hell out of Wingstop.' For those fools who crave something a touch more fiery, the 'Insanity' wings pack a mighty, albeit slow-burning, punch. I just about get through a half dozen before my lips swell up like a lilo and my tongue transforms into a lump of throbbing gristle. Reader, beware. But I'm here for the cheesesteak – a mass of shaved ribeye 'wit' (with onions), drenched in a flood of warm, neon-yellow cheddar Wiz (their own take on the gloriously artificial Kraft Cheez Whiz liquid cheese) and piled into a long torpedo bun. God it's good, a soothing symphony of savoury, salty and soft. The peppery shards of steak, that judicious hit of grease and excess of luridly gooey liquid cheesy bliss. Each bite is an exuberantly messy delight. It may lack that essential seasoning you'll find at the likes of Geno's Steaks and John's Roast Pork back home. That, though, takes a flat-top grill with decades of use. For cheesesteak-craving Londoners, Passyunk Avenue will do just fine.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National Cheesesteak Day is March 24 — here are some sizzling ways to celebrate
National Cheesesteak Day, celebrated annually on March 24, pays tribute to the iconic sandwich. It's become a symbol of Philadelphia's rich culinary heritage, and offers both Philly locals and enthusiasts nationwide an opportunity to indulge in this savory delight — and honor its rich past. The cheesesteak's origins The cheesesteak's inception dates back to the 1930s in South Philadelphia. Pat and Harry Olivieri, originally hot dog vendors, decided to experiment by grilling sliced beef with onions, serving it on an Italian roll. A passing taxi driver, enticed by the aroma, requested the novel sandwich and was so impressed that he suggested the brothers focus solely on this new creation. This pivotal moment led to the establishment of Pat's King of Steaks, a landmark eatery that continues to operate today. While the original version lacked cheese, it was later added, with provolone being among the first, solidifying the sandwich's identity as the cheesesteak. National Cheesesteak Day is a modern celebration The exact origins of National Cheesesteak Day remain somewhat ambiguous. That said, our favorite theory comes from 1995 — when four students from a high school in the Philly suburbs created 'National Cheesesteak Thursday.' Their little annual tradition among friends and family gradually gained traction and by the early 2000s, the tradition had grown into the celebration it is today. And the celebrations are far from contained to just Philadelphia. Various events are held across the country. Most notably this year in Las Vegas, Pop's Philly Steaks will be holding its second annual cheesesteak eating competition. Entrants will compete to see who can wolf down a two-foot-long cheesesteak the fastest. How to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day this year If you're looking for a way to partake in the festivities — but maybe you don't have the appetite for a two-foot feast — here are some suggestions. Indulge in a cheesesteak. (You had to know we were going to say this.) See if you can find a local eatery that's known for its cheesesteaks; if not — try crafting your own at home. The official, classic combination includes thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese (such as provolone or Cheez Whiz), and sautéed onions, plus you'll need a hoagie roll or baguette if you want to be fancy. Host a cheesesteak cookoff. Think you're the supreme chef of the cheesesteak? Prove it. Gather friends and family for a friendly competition to see who can create the most delicious cheesesteak. You can even create categories — best traditional, most creative, and so on. Attend local events. The fun's not limited to Vegas and Philly — many cities will be hosting special events, promotions, or eating contests in honor of National Cheesesteak Day. Are you getting hungry? We are too — and it's got to be almost lunchtime somewhere. Since it's National Cheesesteak Day, we'll be taking advantage of this opportunity to savor Philly's beloved sandwich... don't tell the purists, but we like ours with mozzarella.
